Method of reducing compressor gas leakage

Abstract

Gas leakage from a high pressure compressor used in providing olefin monomer feed to a high pressure polymerization reactor is minimized by the addition of an antioxidant to the cylinder lubrication fluid to provide an antioxidant concentration of from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a high pressure polymerization process in which monomer feed prior to introduction to the polymerization zone is compressed to reaction pressure in a compressor having at least one compression stage, and at least one lubricated compressor cylinder assembly, the method of reducing compressor gas leakage caused by impurities introduced by the monomer feed comprising providing at least one compressor cylinder assembly with a lubricant containing from about 3 to about 10 wt % of an antioxidant. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the antioxidant concentration is maintained between about 3.5 and about 8 wt %. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of phenolic antioxidants, aromatic amines and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, wherein the antioxidant is 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, wherein the antioxidant-containing lubricant is provided to a first stage cylinder assembly. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1, wherein the antioxidant-containing lubricant is provided to a second stage cylinder assembly.